The Cape Ann Symphony presents a special fundraising concert featuring the Cape Ann Big Band at 7:30pm on Saturday, February 22 at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street in Rockport, MA. Led by Carlos Menezes Jr, the Cape Ann Big Band, a group of Cape Ann’s finest musical talent, delights audiences with jazz, swing and rock and roll.. Tickets for the fundraising concert to benefit Cape Ann Symphony are General Seating: $35 per person. Immediately following the Cape Ann Big Band Concert, a post concert reception at the Shalin Liu Performance Center’s elegant upstairs Function Hall features Mother/Daughter Duo Rockport’s Wendy and Brittany Betts on piano, trumpet and flugelhorn. In addition to entertainment, the reception includes a wide selection of light refreshments and a cash bar. Admission to the reception is $15 per person. Both the concert and reception benefit the non profit Cape Ann Symphony. Tickets are available at Rockport Music by telephone 978-546-7391 or visit www.rockportmusic.org

The Cape Ann Big Band was formed in December 2010 when director Carlos Menezes Jr. teamed up with friends and fellow musicians Paula Burns, Shawn Lowe, Mike Lentini, and Rick Geraghty to discuss the potentials of starting up a 17-piece big band. What was once a dream quickly became reality when Menezes found the roster full in just a week’s time. Inspired by the sounds of jazz, swing, New Orleans street bands, soul, and rock n’ roll, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in a repertoire without horizon.

Driven by the talents of Cape Ann musicians, the Cape Ann Big Band prides itself in performing to entertain and connect with the local community. According to Menezes, “One of the great joys of the ensemble is the generational diversity among its members. Music is a worldwide language that connects people with community and penetrates the soul of both listener and performer. This is the very experience that the band strives to deliver through its powerhouse performances. Although it is not a community band in the sense of membership, it strives to connect the community through open rehearsals and public performance.” For Menezes and many of his band mates, the experience of music performance is something that need not cease after high school or college. For a musician, the experience of music reflects a lifelong journey of learning. Beyond the aspect of performance, the band hopes to connect with local musicians of all ages and backgrounds to inspire, challenge, and educate.

The Cape Ann Big Band Concert to benefit Cape Ann Symphony is at 7:30 pm on Saturday, February 22 at the Shalin Liu Performance Center, 37 Main Street in Rockport, MA. Tickets for the fundraising concert are General Seating: $35 per person. Admission to the post concert reception featuring Mother/Daughter Duo Wendy and Brittany Betts is $15. Tickets are available at Rockport Music by telephone 978-546-7391 or online at www.rockportmusic.org

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